Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

Stranding Location: Caught by SCDNR research vessel off of Dewees Island

Arrival Date: 06/27/2014

Age: Juvenile

Weight: 60.6 kg

Case History

This 123-pound juvenile loggerhead was captured by the SCDNR trawling vessel, the R/V Lady Lisa, and had an unfortunate encounter with a stingray that was caught in the same net. Although the stingray barb was small and did not break off into the turtle’s tissue as they sometimes do, it did puncture the body cavity of the turtle and necessitated this animal’s admittance into our Sea Turtle Hospital. Dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, was administered onboard the trawler to minimize the effects of the venom dispersed from the stingray barb. The Sea Turtle Rescue Team met the R/V Lady Lisa at approximately 8:30 p.m. to transfer “Trawler” to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital.

Treatment

Radiographs were taken and blood work was analyzed to assess the turtle’s health. Initial treatment included subcutaneous fluids, two antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as pain medication. The puncture wound was flushed with sterile saline and packed with Medihoney (thanks to the donor who recently sent this to us). Outside of the barb wound, Trawler was in excellent health with a PCV of 33%, blood glucose of 167 and total solids of 5.2. Because of the pain medication and late time frame in which the turtle was admitted, staff thought it safest to dry dock Trawler overnight. When we arrived at work the next morning, s/he was alert and was placed her new holding pool.

Updates

3 July 2014: Trawler is very active in his/her tank but has shown very little interest in the fish we are offering since she arrived 4 days ago. Staff are not concerned about the inappetence because s/he is in excellent body condition. We expect his/her appetite to return soon. Antibiotic injections and wound flushing/treatments continue…